AATCC 174

AATCC 174 specifies antibacterial and antifungal test methods to assess the efficacy of antimicrobial carpet materials.

The test takes 3-4 weeks to complete.

At Microbe Investigations, we use the following bacterial and fungal strains for testing: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), and Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888). Additional strains include Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708), Candida albicans (MTCC 3017).

This test method is primarily used to test the antimicrobial activity of new carpet materials, assessing both antibacterial and antifungal activities on carpet fibers and materials.

The test provides a standardized way to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial treatments on textiles, ensuring treated carpets maintain hygienic standards and reduce the risk of microbial contamination in indoor environments.

The test ensures efficacy through three specific procedures: qualitative assessment of antibacterial activity (Test I), quantitative assessment of antibacterial activity (Test II), and qualitative assessment of antifungal activity (Test III).

To pass, a textile product must show sufficient antimicrobial activity, measured by the presence of a clear zone of inhibition around the test sample or a significant log reduction in bacterial load. In antifungal assessments, the absence or minimal growth of fungi on or around the test sample verifies the textile passes the test.

This test is specifically designed for carpet materials and includes both antibacterial and antifungal assessments. It differs from tests like AATCC 147 and AATCC 100, which are more general and can be applied to various textiles and fabrics.

Common challenges include ensuring consistent and representative sampling, maintaining sterile conditions to avoid contamination, accurately preparing and standardizing bacterial and fungal cultures, and interpreting results, especially in borderline cases where microbial growth is minimal.

Manufacturers should ensure textile products are clean and free from prior contamination. Proper documentation of antimicrobial treatments applied and preparation of samples according to specified dimensions and conditions are crucial. Following any specific pre-conditioning steps recommended for the test is also important.

The frequency of testing depends on the use case and regulatory requirements. For new product development, testing should be done during the R&D phase and after significant changes to the treatment process. Periodic re-testing may be required for quality assurance and to ensure ongoing efficacy of antimicrobial treatments.

After passing the test, a detailed report is provided, including descriptions of test procedures, conditions, results (zones of inhibition, percentage reductions, log reductions), and observations. This documentation validates antimicrobial claims and provides evidence of compliance with industry standards.